Cumbrae Slipway Reconstruction
Newsletter
Issue 1—October 2026
Project overview
The ferry slipway at Cumbrae is nearing the end of its serviceable life. Now in the construction phase, the project will redevelop the ferry terminal. Based on community and ferry operator feedback, the new terminal will include a new slipway built next to the existing slipway to maintain the ferry service throughout construction, vehicle marshalling and pedestrian waiting areas on reclaimed land, a drop-off lay-by, and a bus stop. The pedestrian area will feature bus shelters, a queuing shelter with a ticket kiosk and a bike storage shelter with a repair station. The existing slipway will be demolished when the new slipway is operational, and a new terminal building will be constructed under a subsequent project.
Introduction
Welcome to the first edition of our Cumbrae Slipway Reconstruction Project Newsletter.
This newsletter is part of our commitment to keeping island residents, ferry users, local businesses and other stakeholders informed as work progresses. We will provide updates on construction activity, upcoming milestones and the benefits the project will deliver for the local community.
The Cumbrae Slipway Reconstruction project began as a scheme to replace the existing slipway, which is nearing the end of its serviceable life. After engaging with the local community and ferry operator, the project has evolved to deliver wider improvements, including enhanced marshalling facilities, improved passenger facilities, and better provision for pedestrians and active travel users.
Progress on site
Delivering the project in phases
To allow ferry services to continue operating throughout construction, the redevelopment is being delivered in two phases. Phase 1 includes construction of the new slipway and marshalling area. Once these facilities are operational and ferry services have transferred to them, Phase 2 will complete the wider terminal redevelopment, including improved passenger facilities and preparation for a future terminal building to be delivered under a subsequent project.
Work is continuing at pace on Phase 1 of the redevelopment, with significant progress in recent months, and the site is now transitioning from major earthworks and reclamation activities to construction of the finished infrastructure.
Phase 1: New Marshalling Area
Land reclamation works are substantially complete, with imported fill materials used to create the new marshalling area.
Rock armour revetments have been installed around the site perimeter to protect the infrastructure from the marine environment.
Buried infrastructure has been installed, including measures to protect the island’s water supply main and provide future utility connections.
The marshalling area has now reached pavement formation level, with preparations underway for finished surfaces and site fixtures.
Phase 1: New Slipway
Steel sheet piles have been installed to form the new slipway walls.
Land reclamation and bulk fill operations have created the foundations required for the new facility.
Construction activities are progressing toward the formation of the slipway pavement.
Preparing for Operation
A range of furniture, fixtures and equipment has now been procured for the new facilities. Site teams are also installing foundations for handrails, bollards and lighting columns as the project progresses toward completion of Phase 1.
In parallel, work has begun to upgrade the power supply required for the future terminal facilities.
Working together
Partnership working remains at the heart of the project.
Ongoing engagement with the Cumbrae Ferry Users Group, the local community, and a wide range of stakeholders has shaped the redevelopment. Feedback gathered throughout the design process has helped influence the development of the terminal facilities and wider site layout.
The project team has also worked closely with Scottish Water to protect the island’s water supply infrastructure and with North Ayrshire Council to replace and extend drainage systems through the project area.
Environmental specialists from the Field Studies Council have advised on installing innovative Vertipools within the new slipway infrastructure, helping enhance marine biodiversity and support future environmental research.
Delivering benefits for Cumbrae
While replacing the existing slipway remains a key driver for the project, the wider redevelopment will provide significant long-term benefits for residents, businesses and ferry users.
The completed development will deliver an improved marshalling area alongside enhanced facilities for pedestrians and active travel users. Future phases of the project will introduce a new pedestrian space, bus stop lane, sheltered waiting area with ticket kiosk, cycle storage and repair facilities, staff parking and the foundations for a future terminal building.
Throughout construction, contractor George Leslie has worked closely with CMAL, CalMac and other stakeholders to minimise disruption to ferry users. This has included careful phasing of works, forward planning and the use of marine transport to support construction activities while maintaining ferry operations.
The project is also creating value for the local community. George Leslie has recruited people locally to support delivery of the works and is exploring further community benefit initiatives aligned with its corporate responsibility commitments.
Looking ahead
The next key milestone is completing Phase 1, comprising the new slipway and marshalling area. The facilities are currently expected to be handed over to CalMac in early 2027, allowing ferry operations to transfer from the existing infrastructure to the new facilities.
Once ferry operations have transitioned, work on Phase 2 can begin. This phase will include demolishing the existing slipway, constructing a new drop-off layby, creating a dedicated pedestrian area, installing cycle facilities, developing a bus stop lane and queueing shelter, and preparing for a future terminal building. The road will be raised to help improve drainage, and this will be incorporated into the works.
Stakeholders may also notice temporary traffic management arrangements in the coming months while George Leslie undertakes works on and adjacent to the B896. The road will remain open under traffic management, with arrangements carefully managed to minimise disruption to ferry services and road users.
A public consultation event is planned ahead of the Phase 1 handover to inform residents, ferry users, and other stakeholders about ferry services operating from the new slipway and vehicle marshalling area.
Stay updated
We will continue to provide project updates as work progresses.
Thank you to everyone who has engaged with the project so far and supported the redevelopment. We look forward to sharing further progress in the next edition of the Cumbrae Slipway Reconstruction Newsletter.
For more information about the project, please visit the Cumbrae Slipway Reconstruction project page or contact the project team at cumbrae@cmassets.co.uk.
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